Newsday Shuts Down Westchester, N.Y., Branch (Exclusive)

Newsday's year-old Westchester site has been shut down by Cablevision effective immediately, an insider with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.

Cablevision told TheWrap that the closing was "an economic decision."

Though Cablevision will not disclose how many employees were laid off, an individual with knowledge of Newsday's plans told TheWrap that the layoffs will affect "a reasonably small" number of people. Another insider estimated the number may be close to 25.

In a statement obtained by TheWrap, the company said: "Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) today announced that it has discontinued Newsday’s digital-only Westchester local news service available in parts of Westchester County, Rockland County and the Hudson Valley."

It continued, "The company will continue to focus on its core local media products, which provide comprehensive news and information across the tri-state area: Newsday and Newsday.com on Long Island, amNewYork in New York City, and News 12 Networks across the region. Customers who paid for the digital service will be offered a refund."

The website's official Twitter account, @NewsdayNY, and Facebook page have already been deleted.

Cablevision purchased Newsday in February 2009 for about $650 million. The Westchester site opened in April 2012.